Vancouver connections played role in Los Angeles Kings' Stanley Cup victory

There were a handful of guys with ties to this city celebrating the first Stanley Cup win in the 45-year history of the Los Angeles Kings.

Former Canucks defenseman Willie Mitchell was the first player Kings captain Dustin Brown handed the cup to after it was presented to the team by National Hockey League commissioner Gary Bettman. The 35-year-old will now have the chance to bring the trophy home to Port McNeill on the northern tip of Vancouver Island when Mitchell gets his day with the trophy this summer.

For Colin Fraser, this is the second time he’s been able to get his hands on the Cup. The Kings forward and Surrey native was also a part of the 2010 Chicago Blackhawks team that won it all.

Bill Ranford is no stranger to Stanley Cup victories. The Kings goaltending coach was the back-up netminder on the 1988 Edmonton Oilers and was the starter and Conn Smythe winner when the Oilers hoisted the trophy again in 1990. Ranford is credited with playing a key role in the development of this year’s playoff MVP Jonathan Quick. Ranford, a former New Westminster Bruins standout, also spent two seasons as the Vancouver Giants goaltending consultant.

And Darren Granger is the LA Kings head equipment manager—the guy who makes sure the players have the gear they need to get the job done. Prior to that, he spent 13 seasons on the training staff of the Vancouver Canucks.